How to View a Crane Load Chart?

Every crane has a load chart that, in a nutshell, specifies the crane’s capacity – detailing its characteristics and how its lifting capacity can be changed when distance and angle are taken into account. As the old saying goes, if you don’t plan, your plan fails, and not looking at a crane load chart before using a crane for a specific job can make you work too much or too little.

1. Dimensions and weights – The chart shows the dimensions of the crane. It includes operating data for the extended legs, transport weight, and steering dimensions. Knowing this information is especially important if the crane will be working in an enclosed space, as lifting capacity depends on whether the legs are extended. Shipping weight determines how the trailer is used, how the crane is loaded onto the trailer, the route, and what permits are required for transportation to the site.
2. Improve ability – this is where the magic happens. In the legend at the top of the chart, you can see that these ratings apply to a 6.5-ton counterweight with legs extending to 22×22.3 feet. Here, you’ll draw the specific elevators your crane needs. The indicator on the left axis in feet represents the radius, the distance from the center sale to the center of the load.
It is important to note that maximum capacity is always measured by the shortest lift, usually at the rear of the crane, with the legs fully extended.
3. Range of Lift – Just as important as the ability to lift is a range of lift. Therefore, each chart usually contains a range chart illustrating the length of the boom to pick up and raise at a certain distance and height.